Minds Support Network and local councils
Thank you for choosing Minds Support Network counselling and supportive services to access through your EHCP. We are happy to help you every step of the way with advice and guidance where required as we navigate on how to access Gaming Therapy and Supportive Gaming with readily available funding.
What services do we offer that can be accessed through an EHCP?
An EHCP can be used to access the following therapeutic gaming or workshop services at Minds Support Network:
- Individual Counselling – Private counselling (talk therapy) with a qualified therapist.
- This is ideal for those who require the assistance of a counsellor, psychotherapist or CBT while using gaming or an interest-based workshop as a vehicle for therapy
- Group Counselling – Counselling in a group with a qualified therapist.
- This is ideal for those who are looking to develop social skills though require the enhanced assistance and support of a counsellor, psychotherapist or CBT while using gaming or an interest-based workshop as a vehicle for therapy
- Supportive Gaming – Supervised gaming with an Online Support Worker.
- This is ideal for those who require supervision while playing online focussing on areas such as social skills, self-confidence and communication without the requirement of a qualified therapist.
- These sessions are run by experienced Online Support Workers.
- Social Gaming – Supervised group gaming with an Online Support Worker.
- This is ideal for those who require supervision while playing with others online while focussing more on areas such as social skills and communication without the requirement of a qualified therapist.
- These sessions are run by experienced Online Support Workers.
What is an EHCP?
An EHCP is intended for children and young people aged 0 to 25 who have significant additional needs that cannot be met through standard support in their educational setting. It provides a detailed description of their needs and the specific support required to meet
them, ensuring that all involved professionals are aligned in providing the best outcomes.
Who Needs an EHCP?
An EHCP may be necessary if:
- Your child has a learning difficulty or disability that requires special educational provision beyond what is typically available.
- Your child’s needs impact their ability to learn, such as difficulties with communication, cognition, emotional well-being, physical disabilities, or sensory impairments.
If you believe your child might need an EHCP, you can request an assessment.
Requesting an EHCP Assessment
You can request an EHCP assessment through your local authority (LA). This can be done by:
- Parents/Carers: Write to the LA to request an assessment.
- School or Nursery: Staff may recommend an assessment and make a request on your behalf.
The LA will consider the request and must inform you of their decision within six weeks. If they agree to an assessment, the process will begin.
The EHCP Assessment Process
- Gathering Information:
- Professionals (e.g., teachers, doctors, therapists) provide detailed reports about your child’s needs.
- Parents and the child or young person also share their perspectives.
- Drafting the Plan:
- If the LA agrees an EHCP is needed, they will create a draft plan.
- You can review the draft and suggest changes.
- Finalizing the Plan:
- Once agreed, the EHCP is finalized and becomes a legally binding document
The entire process should take no more than 20 weeks from the initial request.
Sections of an EHCP
An EHCP is divided into several key sections:
- A: The views, interests, and aspirations of the child/young person and their parents.
- B: The child or young person’s special educational needs (SEN).
- C: Health needs related to their SEN.
- D: Social care needs related to their SEN.
- E: Outcomes sought for the child or young person.
- F: Special educational provision required.
- G: Health provision required.
- H: Social care provision required.
- I: Placement (educational setting).
- J: Personal budget (if applicable).
- K: Appendices (evidence gathered during the assessment).
Reviewing an EHCP
EHCPs are reviewed annually in an Annual Review Meeting, where parents, professionals, and the child/young person discuss progress and any necessary updates. Significant changes can lead to an amended EHCP.
What is EHCP Funding?
EHCP funding is the financial support allocated to meet the special educational, health, and social care needs outlined in your child’s EHCP. This funding ensures that:
- The school or educational setting can provide necessary support.
- Additional resources, therapies, or interventions are made available.
- A personal budget can be utilized for certain provisions, if applicable.
The local authority (LA) is responsible for funding the support detailed in the EHCP.
How is EHCP Funding Allocated?
- Element 1: Core Education Funding
- All schools receive core funding to provide basic educational support for all students.
- Element 2: Additional SEN Support
- Schools receive an additional amount per student to address special educational needs (typically up to £6,000)
- Element 3: High Needs Top-Up Funding
- If the costs of meeting your child’s needs exceed £6,000, the LA provides top-up funding through the EHCP.
Steps to Access EHCP Funding
Obtain an EHCP
Funding is only available for children with an EHCP. Follow the steps to request and complete the EHCP process as outlined in the Parent Guide to Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs).
Work with the Educational Setting
Once the EHCP is finalized:
- The school or setting will allocate resources to meet the needs in the EHCP.
- The headteacher and SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) are responsible for ensuring that funding is used effectively.
Discuss the Personal Budget (Optional)
You can request a personal budget if you want direct control over specific aspects of the support. This might include:
- Funding for therapies.
- Specialist equipment.
- Alternative educational provision.
The LA must approve the personal budget and agree that it aligns with the EHCP outcomes.
Using the EHCP to Secure Funding
- Ensure Specificity: The EHCP must clearly specify the support required (e.g., hours of one-to-one teaching, therapy sessions). Vague language can lead to disputes over funding.
- Monitor Implementation: Regularly check that the support detailed in the EHCP is being provided. Raise concerns with the school or LA if necessary.
- Review and Update: Use the Annual Review to assess if the current funding meets your child’s needs and request changes if required.
Parents/Carers can request a detailed breakdown of where funding is currently being allocated at any time.
Parents and carers are also able to request reviews outside of the annual review if they believe amendments would make significant change.
Appealing Decisions About Funding
If you believe the funding is inadequate or the LA has refused certain provisions, you can:
- Request Mediation: This is often the first step to resolving disputes.
- Appeal to the Tribunal: File an appeal with the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability).
- Seek Advocacy Support: Organizations like IPSEA or SENDIASS can provide advice and representation.
EHCP and SEN funding from county councils and the Local Authority
An EHCP can be accessed by many counties across the UK. These include Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Cornwall, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, Durham, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Gloucestershire, Greater London, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Hertfordshire, Huntingdonshire, Kent, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, City of London, Merseyside, Norfolk, North Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, Northumberland, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Rutland, Shropshire, Somerset, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex, Tyne and Wear, Warwickshire, West Midlands, West Sussex, West Yorkshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Bristol, East Riding of Yorkshire, North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, North Somerset, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Southampton, Southend-on-Sea, Stockton-on-Tees, Stoke-on-Trent, Swindon, Telford and Wrekin, Thurrock, Torbay, Warrington, West Berkshire, Peterborough, Leicester, Nottingham, Isles of Scilly, City of London, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees, Darlington, County Durham, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (each with their own local authorities and variations on EHCPs)
Further Assistance
It can be a complex and confusing process however we are here to help as much as we can. At times we can step in and directly organise with SEN schools, LA’s and other authorities and organisations to assist in attaining access to use our services via an EHCP.
Please use the guide provided and should you require any further assistance please reach out to a member of our team:
Call 07441 915856
Email: info@minds.care
Visit: uk.minds.care
Thank you for choosing Minds Support Network
